The Pascagoula democrat-star. (Pascagoula, Miss.) 1878-1920, 1887-11-04
NUMBER 80.
What is Refinement?

llOinO cOuAh"l
One hears much talk of this de-
slrable quality nowadays, but tho
idea is so often vague. What is re-
tinement 7
We are not of those who think
that it consists Of Il studied quiet
ness of dress aud manner. Some
very refined people dress shocking
~, aud they even have quite loud
voices, and yet their good breeding
is patent to all the world.
We once met whole family of
delicate ladies at fashionable
summer resort on the banks OF the
Hudson, whose idea OF refinement
was languor and ill-healtb. They
thought it was just too vulgar to
be healthy and strong; quite too
manish in lady
Among some people, size ls
thought to have great deal to do
with refinement. 1t is unre6n6d to
be large, gross TO be fat /; coarse to
have weight, and monstrous tohaye
prominent features. A large neck,
large cheeks or lips are especially
opposed to all refinement.
Now, little people are certainly
very cunning, very curious, but we
canuot all be fairies-nor do we
wish it. Only fancy a whole world
of these little creatures Why.
even trade would languish. Smaller
quantities of everything would be
needed, from cloth aud flannel all
the way down TO oysters and buck
wheat cakes. No, large people are
necessary to keep the world NOV
| ing.
We once knew a fashionable lady
who liked her clergy because
he preached such refined sermons.
When distinguished literary
man died recenaly, we were told
lie was not refined person. Well,
perhaps he was not, but he was SO
distinguished in other ways that
, really we had not thought OF his
, refinement. We would just as soon
have asked whether st. Paul was
, a refined man, or whether Isaiah
: went to ancient Babylon to acquire
, "good form," as some persons go. to
! London now for that purpose.
, There are some people who are
, always trying to be refined. Like
Rosamoud in Middle-march, they
, have so trained themselves that
, by the help of nice clothes, a sweel
! voice aud placid demeauor, they
! appear outwardly to be refined.
, There are, we believe, many peo
pie in a very humble station of life
who are truly refined in tbeiI feel
ings who are quite unpublished out
warlly. Their hearts are right
t they have the consideration fol
I others, which is the very basis o.
refinement.
S There are also others in good so
J. ciety whose natural sweetness o.
t disposition constantly shows Itself
n in kind and gentle words aud deeds
r towards all. No effort is needed
on their part to he courteous and
g amia BILE, for they feel so, and natur'
$ ally their outward manners are but
p the reflex OF that which is Within
J. Such persons are charmingj they
t like everybody and everybody
J. likes them. We all know a few
e such, and are thankful.
a The chief desideratum appears
. to be a good heart. 1t we truly
$ love our neighbors we cannot tai!
J. TO be kind and sweet to them. And
g if we are Indifferent, all the care We
5 take of our manners, all our
+. studied refinement, all our stylish
J. conversation will be as dust and
+ ashes.
J There are those who find it diff;
: cult to care for their neighbors
+ They wish them we'll, but do not
: want to be bothered With ;hem'
They always try to be civil, but u
D is uphill work, and they are glad
3 when the trial is over. Their "re-
Q fnenent" may make them smile
and bow and say ayes" and "No"
!, at prouer intervals. Bat have they
D nothing more 2 Is there no inter:
! est felt except at their departure
. Nothing is valuable unless genu-
/ inc. Who cares for paste dla.
monds and imitation cut glass
| Outward polish is of slight worth
without the true refinement of the
. heart.
y